The area around Keuka Lake is one of the most charming and historic wine regions in the Finger Lakes, known for cool-climate viticulture and a diversity of wine styles — especially excellent Rieslings and other crisp white wines. The wineries here range from long-established estates to smaller boutique producers, each with its own character and offerings.
Many people explore the area via the Keuka Lake Wine Trail, a collection of member wineries that promotes tasting experiences along the lake. Established in the mid-1980s, the Trail celebrates local viticulture and showcases a variety of award-winning wines, beautiful settings, and friendly hospitality.
But it’s worth noting: not all great wineries in the Keuka Lake area participate in the official wine trail — so there are many more wineries beyond what’s shown on Trail maps!
This is one of our favorites — and for good reason. On a memorable Riesling tasting event some girlfriends and I got together to taste test many area riesling wines. Everyone brought a couple and on a beautiful spring day down at the lake, we tasting Rieslings from across the Finger Lakes, Dr. Frank’s Semi-Dry Riesling was the unanimous winner, capturing everyone’s palate with its balance and character. A quintessential Finger Lakes winery, Dr. Frank’s blends tradition with high quality.
Another favorite for your group — loved both for its scenic views overlooking the vineyards and lake and its well-crafted wines. McGregor’s welcoming tasting room and extensive offerings make it a great stop whether you’re a first-time visitor or seasoned wine lover.
Here are some more wonderful wineries around Keuka Lake — both on and off the official trail:
On/near the Keuka Lake Wine Trail
Domaine Leseurre Winery – French-inspired wines.
Keuka Spring Vineyards – Highly rated local favorite.
Weis Vineyards – Boutique winery with great reviews.
Stever Hill Vineyards – Intimate vineyard setting.
Vineyard View Winery – Scenic views.
…and many more spots — especially if you’re open to exploring beyond the official trail!
The Keuka Lake wine region isn’t just about tasting — there’s plenty happening throughout the year:
🍷 Signature Trail Events – The Keuka Lake Wine Trail hosts signature seasonal experiences (check their calendar for updated details).
🎶 Live Music & Winery Events – Many wineries offer live music, themed tastings, harvest celebrations, and more at various times of year.
📍 Tasting Passports – The Trail’s digital tasting passport provides a great way to plan visits, redeem tastings, and enjoy discounts.
Signing up for newsletters from the wine trail or individual wineries is the best way to stay in the loop!
The Tourism Promotion Agency for the area and an administrative partner for the wine trail:
Phone: (315) 536-3111
Email: info@yatesny.com
Address: 2375 Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Phone: (800) 440-4898 or (315) 536-5056
Email: info@keukawinetrail.com
Address: 2375 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Seneca Lake, the deepest of the Finger Lakes, is home to one of the most vibrant wine regions in the U.S., with dozens of wineries producing world-class cool-climate wines (especially Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and more).
There’s a lot to explore — from well-known estates to smaller producers off the beaten path.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail is an official association of around 28 member wineries offering curated wine tasting experiences all around the lake — each with its own character, setting, and selection.
📍 Address: PO Box 437, Watkins Glen, NY 14891
📞 Phone: (607) 535-8080
📧 Email: info@senecalakewine.com
🌟 Anthony Road Wine Company — one of my favorites! Known for a welcoming atmosphere and excellent tastings.
Fox Run Vineyards, Glenora Wine Cellars, Hazlitt 1852, Ventosa Vineyards, and more make up the rest of this diverse trail.
Not all wineries around Seneca Lake are official members of the wine trail, so there are many hidden gems worth finding while you explore — smaller producers and tasting rooms that might not appear on the trail map. These off-map stops often offer highly personal experiences and unique wines.
Located on the northern shore of Seneca Lake in Geneva, this visitor center is one of the best places to start your Finger Lakes adventure. You’ll find:
Interactive regional travel kiosks and guides to help plan your winery route and other activities.
A Taste NY Market featuring local food, snacks, and beverages — including New York wine, beer, and cider — with lakeside views.
Amenities like free Wi-Fi, restrooms, and outdoor seating with views of Seneca Lake.
The center also offers space for community meetings and group gatherings, though public events vary by season and partner programming.
The Wine Trail hosts many seasonal and annual events designed to enhance your tasting experience, including fun themes and food pairings.
Some of the trail’s recurring events include:
Seneca Sips & Suds – A tasting experience spotlighting trail wines and local brews (January).
Chocolate & Wine Weekend – A classic winter treat pairing local chocolates with wines (Feb).
Wine & Brunch Weekend – Wine tastings paired with brunch bites (Mar).
Spring Wine & Cheese – Celebrate spring blooms with wine & cheese pairings (Apr).
Sip Into Spring Tasting Pass – A longer seasonal tasting series across many wineries (May).
Smokin’ Summer Kickoff – Summer kickoff with barbecue and wine (Jun).
Gone to the Dogs – Pet-friendly tasting events (Aug).
Deck the Halls (November & December) – Holiday wine and décor tours at participating wineries.
These events often require tickets or passes and are a great way to explore multiple wineries with a theme.
Note: Each member winery also hosts its own events year-round — from live music and food pairings to themed tastings and seasonal celebrations.
The best way to stay connected is to look at your favorite wineries event page!
The Cayuga Lake wine region is part of the broader Finger Lakes AVA (American Viticultural Area) — one of the most celebrated cool-climate wine regions in the Eastern United States. The long, deep lake (the longest of the Finger Lakes) creates a moderating microclimate that’s ideal for growing grape varieties like Riesling, Cabernet Franc, Gewürztraminer, and even ice wine. The scenic countryside, lake views, and welcoming wineries make this area a favorite destination for wine lovers and travelers alike.
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail is America’s first organized wine trail, established in the early 1980s to collectively promote the area’s wineries. It remains the longest-running wine trail in the U.S., featuring a core group of wineries that work together to offer tastings, events, and experiences for visitors.
The official trail lineup typically includes about 15–17 wineries, plus a handful of distilleries and cideries. These trail members often appear on printed or online maps distributed by the organization.
Here are some popular stops you’ll find (among others):
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Six Eighty Cellars
Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Hosmer Winery
Knapp Winery
Lucas Vineyards
Montezuma Winery & Hidden Marsh Distillery
Six Mile Creek Vineyard (near the trail)
Sheldrake Point Winery
…and more along and near the Cayuga Lake shores.
You mentioned two of your favorite wineries — here’s a bit about why they stand out:
A well-established winery known for its award-winning Rieslings, Gewürztraminer, and other varietals. The tasting room and grounds offer beautiful views and a relaxed atmosphere ideal for enjoying a flight or bottle with friends.
One of the early founding members of the Wine Trail — known for its welcoming hospitality and classic Finger Lakes wines.
Both are wonderful stops whether you’re following the official trail or just exploring the lake region at your own pace.
The Cayuga Lake Wine Trail hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, many of them beloved local traditions. Here are some examples from the current season (2026):
A winter event where wineries pair wines with spice-themed bites — typically in February.
March event celebrating all things bacon with creative pairings alongside wine.
Late March–April celebration with special perks for educators during Spring Break.
Late April into early May — enjoy herb-infused food and wine pairings at participating wineries (often 10+ stops).
Early June event that welcomes dogs to join their humans on the trail.
Late November/early December — wine tastings plus holiday shopping experiences.
These events are a great way to experience the trail in a themed, social setting, and many offer special tasting menus, souvenirs, and seasonal activities.
The Cayuga Lake wine region and Wine Trail combine beautiful scenery, great wines, and a welcoming community of wineries — from established trail members to smaller, lesser-known vineyards waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re plotting a full trail visit or just popping into a few favorites like Swedish Hill and Lake Shore, there’s always something new and delightful to explore